Exploring the Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay
Explore the largest concentration of shipwrecks in the Western Hemisphere, known as the Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay. Outfitted in kayaks, we’ll paddle alongside grandiose ships rising out of the shallow backwater of the Potomac River and learn how these ships got here. After a quick kayak tutorial, we’ll hit the water for about 2 hours as we paddle around this historic site and experience several nature refuge spots.
Accessible via kayak, there are about 200 ships forever in their watery grave in Mallows Bay. While the earliest are from the 18th century, most were scrapped after a WWI shipbuilding surge. In years since, nature has swallowed the hulking vessels, turning them into habitats for species living in the bay. The area is home to wildlife like beavers, osprey, & bald eagles. In 2019, NOAA officially named Mallows Bay a national marine sanctuary.
Hi. I’m Kimberly, a member of the Atlas Obscura community. I’m the owner of Atlantic Kayak Company (AKC)— an adventure kayaking business located in Charles County, Maryland. I’ve been kayaking for almost a decade. I am an American Canoe Association certified instructor. In June 2018, I became the owner of AKC, which allowed me to pursue my passion full time. My company has partnered with the Smithsonian Associates, Baltimore National Aquarium, NOAA, Atlas Obscura, and Potomac Riverkeepers. We were also featured on Amazon Prime’s Air, Water or Land. I value making first-timers and veterans alike feel comfortable in a kayak. I'm always working to continue AKC's goal of getting people out in nature, teaching them about their surroundings, and making sure they have fun.
For questions about this experience, please contact me directly through Airbnb.
Attendees will kayak several miles, so please make sure you're comfortable with the level of activity. Prior to the event, attendees will receive a confirmation package with safety information and release forms. This event is weather-permitting; we'll update guests if weather affects our plans.
There are 10 spots available on this experience.
Guests ages 10 and up can attend.
We welcome beginner kayakers, but please be aware you'll be kayaking for about two hours.
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Small snack (optional)
- Hat, sunglasses, weather and kayak appropriate clothing
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.
Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, safety equipment, & a certified interpretive guide. All kayaks will be tandem, so you will be buddied up!
